System for remote medical care

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for remote medical care are described. In some embodiments, a system may include a case that houses one or more of a display, a microphone, a camera, a plurality of medical devices, and a computing device. In some embodiments, the computing device may be configured to communicate with one or more of the display, the microphone, the camera, and the plurality of medical devices. The computing device may be further configured to communicate with one or more nodes of a telecommunications network.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 63/151,757, filed Feb. 21, 2021, U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 63/113,895, filed Nov. 15, 2020, and U.S. provisionalpatent application No. 63/063,320 filed Aug. 4, 2020, each of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for remote medical care.Specifically, this disclosure relates to a medical case configured toenable telehealth appointments, including in remote locations withlimited internet service, in-home care, early hospital releases, andfield triage.

BACKGROUND

Millions of patients live in remote and rural areas with limitedinternet services. Currently, thousands of dollars are spent totransport these patients to hospitals where they can be seen by doctorsand then back home to their communities. This practice is expensive andundesirable for the patient, who must spend hours traveling.

There are a number of technical challenges that have prevented thepractice of long-distance travel for in-person visits from beingreplaced with telehealth appointments. For example, many ruralcommunities lack reliable high-speed internet service. Withouthigh-speed internet, a stable video feed cannot be established to allowa doctor to effectively evaluate a patient. Further, to further reducecost and burden, the patent must be able to self-administer theappointment. That is, if a technician must travel out to the patient toset up the telehealth appointment, much of the cost savings andefficiency of the telehealth appointment is lost.

Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methods that can enabletelehealth appointments in remote areas with limited internet service.Further, there is a need for systems and methods that will allow thesetelehealth appointments to be easily and reliably self-administered bypatients.

SUMMARY

The following description presents a simplified summary in order toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects described herein. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the claimed subject matter. Itis intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the claimedsubject matter nor delineate the scope thereof.

In some embodiments, a telehealth system may be provided. The telehealthsystem may include a case housing one or more of a display, amicrophone, a camera, a plurality of medical devices, a plurality ofantennas, a plurality of access credentials, and a computing device. Insome embodiments, the system may be configured to obtain, using a firstmedical device of the plurality of medical devices, patient dataindicating a health parameter of a patient. The system may be configuredto transmit the patient data to the computing device. The system may beconfigured to obtain, using the microphone, audio data, and to obtain,using the camera, video data. In some embodiments, the system may beconfigured to generate a plurality of data packets which maycollectively comprising information related to the patient data, theaudio data, and the video data.

In some embodiments, the system may be configured to establish, using atleast in part the plurality of access credentials, communications linkswith a plurality of network nodes, the plurality of nodes comprising afirst node and a second node, and transmit, using a first antenna of theplurality of antennas, a first set of data packets of the plurality ofdata packets to the first node. While transmitting the first set of datapackets to the first node using the first antenna, the system maytransmit, using a second antenna of the plurality of antennas, a secondset of data packets of the plurality of data packets to the second node.In some embodiments, the system may detect an interruption in the linkto the first node, and as a result of detecting the interruption,transmit a third set of data packets to the second node, wherein thethird set of data packets would have been sent to the first node in theabsence of the detected interruption.

Further variations encompassed within the systems and methods aredescribed in the detailed description of the invention below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form partof the specification, illustrate various, non-limiting embodiments ofthe present invention. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicateidentical or functionally similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system 100 for enabling remote medical care.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary network for enabling communication betweensystem 100 and a doctor device 230.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary system 100 in a closedstate.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary system 100 in an openstate.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplary system in an open statein which a support arm 170 is extended.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary illustration of a system 100 in which a trayand medical devices have been removed to show other components.

FIGS. 7-9 show exemplary charging embodiments which may be used tosupply power to the medical devices 116.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary system 100 that includes energy sources 1110a, 1110 b for sterilizing medical devices 116.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure may beembodied in a variety of forms, the following description andaccompanying drawings are merely intended to disclose some of theseforms as specific examples of the subject matter. Accordingly, thesubject matter of this disclosure is not intended to be limited to theforms or embodiments so described and illustrated.

As used herein, the term “or” includes both conjunctive and disjunctivecases, and should be interpreted as “and/or” unless otherwise stated.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system 100 for enabling remote medical care.The system may include a plurality of data capturing devices 110. Forexample, the system may include one or more cameras 112, one or moremicrophones, and a plurality of medical devices 116 a-116 n. In someembodiments, the medical devices may include one, some, or all of astethoscope, a pulse-oximeter, a blood pressure cuff, a temperaturesensors, a blood glucose sensor, a hematocrit sensor, an otoscope, acold storage chamber, wound care bandages, medications, IV bags,biological supportive fluids, and/or tubes for collecting samples (e.g.,saliva, blood, tissue).

In some embodiments, data obtained by the data capturing devices 110 maybe transmitted, in whole or in part, to a doctor at a remote location.For example, a patient may engage in a videoconference with the doctorwhile the patient (or a technician) uses the medical devices to obtainpatient data.

The data capturing devices 110 may transmit data to a computing device120, which may include one or more processors. The computing device 120may be operatively coupled to one or more antennas for wirelesscommunications. For example, the computing device 120 may communicatevia Bluetooth, WiFi, satellite antennas, cellular, LTE, 5G, sub 6 GHznetworks, mmWave, or any other suitable wireless or wired communicationtechnology. The computing device 120 may be a single device, or it mayinclude multiple devices operatively connected to one-another. In someembodiments, one, some, or all of the medical devices 116 a-116 n may beestablish wireless communications with the computing device so that thepatient data collected by the respective medical devices can bewirelessly transmitted to the computing device. The wirelesscommunications between the medical devices 116 a-116 n and the computingdevice may be direct or indirect. For example, in some embodiments, themedical devices 116 a-116 n may communicate directly with display 130,which may in turn communicate with computing device 120. In someembodiments, the computing device 120 and/or display 130 may establishwireless communication channels with multiple of the medical devices 116to receive multiple types of patient data simultaneously. Similarly, theone or more cameras 112 and microphones 114 may also establish wirelesscommunications with the computing device and/or display 130. In thismanner, video and audio data may be captured and transmitted to thecomputing device.

In some embodiments, the data capturing devices 110 may also transmitdata to the display 130. It may be desirable for the patient to seeindications of some or all of the patient data. For example, a pulseoximeter may wirelessly communicate pulse or oxygenation levels to thedisplay, so that an indication of the patient's pulse or oxygenation maybe displayed to the patient. In some embodiments, data may betransmitted directly from the data capturing devices to the display. Inother embodiments, data may be transmitted first from the data capturingdevices to the computing device, and from the computing device to thedisplay. The latter case may be advantageous where one or more of themedical devices are not enabled to maintain wireless communications withmultiple devices simultaneously, or where it is desirable to process thepatient data at the computing device before it is transmitted to thedisplay. In some embodiments, data may be sent first to the display 130,which may then relay the data to the computing device. Communicatingpatient data to both the display 130 and the computing device 120 it mayadvantageously allow for both the patient and the doctor to see the samedata.

In some embodiments, the camera and the microphone may be associatedwith the display. For example, a display may be a tablet device thatincludes a microphone, one or more cameras, one or more speakers. Inother embodiments, the microphone, cameras, and/or speakers may beseparate from the display. The display may also include one or moreprocessors, memory, and antennas. The antennas of the display may beused to enable wireless communication with the computing device 120 andmedical devices 116. The display may also include antennas that can beused to transmit and receive information with nodes of atelecommunications network. While the system may advantageously includehigh-powered antennas 150 that may be primarily used for transmittingand receiving data in remote locations, antennas in the display 130 mayoptionally be used in areas with stronger cell signals.

In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a access credentials. Insome embodiments, one or more of the access credentials may besubscriber identification modules (SIMs). The system may use the accesscredentials to establish telecommunications links with a plurality ofnetwork nodes, which may optionally be associated with different networkproviders. The network nodes may be nodes of any suitable wirelesscommunication network, including, for example, cellular networks orsatellite networks. The computing device 120 may access subscriberinformation of the access credentials to establish thesetelecommunication links.

The system 100 may include a plurality of antennas 150. The antennas maybe used to transmit and receive data with multiple network nodessimultaneously. For example, the plurality of antennas 150 may include afirst antenna that may communicate with a first node and a secondantenna that may communicate with a second node. Any number of antennasmay be provided to communicate simultaneously with any number of networknodes. As described in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 2, datacollected by the data capture devices 100 may be transmitted to thecomputing device 120, through antennas 150 to telecommunication nodes,and then through a wide area network (WAN) to a computing device used bya doctor. The doctor may conduct a videoconference with the patient. Thedoctor's device may also include cameras and microphones, which maytransmit audio and video data through the WAN, network nodes, and backto the computing device 120 through the antennas 150. The audio andvideo data may then be played for the patient. For example, this datamay be transmitted from the computing device to the display, where itmay be played.

In some embodiments, wireless communications may be established betweenthe computing device and one, some, or all of (i) the medical devices116, (ii) the display 130, and (iii) one or more telecommunicationsnodes. For example, patient data may be transmitted, using a firstwireless communication protocol, from a first medical device 116 a,directly or indirectly, to the computing device 120. Some or all of thepatient data may be transmitted, using a second wireless communicationprotocol, between the computing device 120 and the display 130. Some orall of the patient data may also be transmitted, using a third wirelesscommunication protocol, from the computing device 120 to the nodes ofthe telecommunications networks. In some embodiments, the third wirelesscommunication protocol may be different than the first and secondwireless communication protocols. For example, the first and secondwireless communication protocols may use relatively short-rangecommunication links. In some embodiments, the first and second wirelesscommunication protocols may use a frequency between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz. Insome embodiments, the first and second wireless communication protocolsmay be Bluetooth. In some embodiments, the third wireless communicationprotocol may be a longer-range communication link. For example, thethird wireless communication protocol may be a telecommunications link.Any number or type of telecommunications links may be used (e.g., 5G,4G, LTE, satellite).

In the downlink direction, audio and video data received from the doctormay be transmitted from the computing device to the display 130. In someembodiments, this data may be carried over the same wirelesscommunication link used to transmit patient data from the computingdevice to the display 130. In some embodiments, the doctor may alsotransmit instructions to be received and executed by the medical devices116. For example, the doctor may wish to power on a device, test whetherit is working correctly, perform a measurement, or adjust a testingparameter. Accordingly, information may be received from the doctor bythe computing device 120 and transmitted to the medical devices 116. Insome embodiments, this information may include instructions, which maythen be performed by medical devices. In some embodiments, theinformation transmitted from the computing device 120 to the medicaldevices 116 may be transmitted using the same wireless communicationlink that is used to transmit patient data from the medical devices 116to the computing device 120.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary network for enabling communication betweensystem 100 and a doctor device 230. In some embodiments, the system 100may establish communication links with a plurality of network nodes 210a, 210 b, 210 c. Although three nodes are shown in FIG. 2, the systemmay establish communication links with any number of nodes. Further,although the nodes 210 a, 210 b, 210 c are depicted as being physicallyseparate (e.g., on separate towers), multiple nodes may be co-located inpractice. For example, different network providers may provide nodes ata common location or on a common tower. In such cases, the system 100may communicate with one or all of these nodes simultaneously. Data maybe transmitted from the system to the nodes 210 and then to a WAN 220,such as the internet. The data may then be transmitted from the WAN to adoctor device 230. Optionally, the doctor device may also connectwirelessly to the WAN through one or more telecommunications networks.Data may also be transmitted in the reverse direction, originating atthe doctor device 230, passing through the WAN 220 and nodes 210, and tothe system 100.

Cellular service is often unreliable in remote areas. To overcome thistechnical challenge, the system 100 may be enable communications withmultiple network nodes simultaneously. This may allow the totalbandwidth available to the system 100 to be significantly improved. Itmay also improve the reliability of the connection, because when onecommunication link fails, the system can shift communications to linksthat remain operative.

For example, the computing device 120 may receive patient data, videodata, and audio data, directly or indirectly, from the medical devices,cameras, and microphones, respectively. The computing device (or otherdevice such as a display) may generate a plurality of data packets whichmay include information related to the patient data, the audio data, andthe video data. The system may establish, using at least in part theplurality of access credentials, telecommunications links with aplurality of network nodes 210 a, 210 b, 210 c. The system may thentransmit, using a first antenna of the plurality of antennas, a firstset of data packets of the plurality of data packets to the first node,and it may simultaneously transmit, using a second antenna of theplurality of antennas, a second set of data packets of the plurality ofdata packets to the second node. Upon detecting an interruption in thelink to the first node, the system may transmit a third set of datapackets to the second node, where the third set of data packets wouldhave been sent to the first node in the absence of the detectedinterruption. Communication links may be established with any number ofnodes and data may be partitioned into any number of sets to betransmitted to respective nodes. Further, the bandwidth of each link maybe measured, and the number of packets transmitted via each link may beadjusted upward or downward based on the quality of the connection. Forexample, the system may determine that a first communication link has ahigher available bandwidth than a second communication link, and it mayaccordingly assign more packets to be delivered through the firstcommunication link than the second communication link.

Since the system 100 may partition a stream of data into multiple setsto be transmitted through multiple network providers' networks, it maybe advantageous to transmit redundant information through multiple ofthese networks. For example, the system 100 may transmit commoninformation to each network which may then be used to reassemble thetransmission to be played at the doctor device 230. The redundantinformation may be used to detect errors or degradations in service. Insome embodiments, the system may determine, based on a detectedinterruption in a link to one of the network nodes that information wasnot successfully transmitted due to the interruption. The system mayfurther transmit replacement data packets to a different node, where thereplacement data packets include the information that was notsuccessfully transmitted due to the interruption.

Multi-node communications may also be used for downlink transmissions.For example, the system 100 may receive a set of data packets from afirst node 210 a and another set of data packets from a second node 210b (and any number of additional nodes). The system may then combine thedata from the nodes. In some embodiments, combining the data may yieldone or more segments of video or audio data. The system may then playthe segment of video or audio data. For example, the computing device120 may transmit the segment to the display, where it may then beplayed.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary system 100 in a closedstate. The system may include a case with a lid 166, a lower portion 168(see FIGS. 4-5), and a handle. The case may also include one or morelatches 164, which may hold the case in a closed position for transport.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary system 100 in an openstate. In some embodiments, a display 130 may be coupled to the lid 166.The display 130 may optionally be a tablet. In some embodiments, thedisplay 130 may include one or more cameras 112 and one or moremicrophones 114. In some embodiments, the display 130 may also includeone or more speakers. A lower portion 168 of the case may support a tray118. For example, the lower portion 168 may include a shoulderconfigured to engage and support a lip of the tray 118. The tray mayinclude a plurality of receptacles. Each receptacle may be configured toreceive a respective medical device 116 a, 116 b, 116 c, 116 d, 116 e,etc. In some embodiments, the tray may be made from an antimicrobialmaterial (including, but not limited to, materials that includeantimicrobial additives). In some embodiments, the antimicrobialmaterial may also be biocompatible. In some embodiments, the case, tray,or other components may also be made from an antimicrobial material. Insome embodiments, the antimicrobial material may be antimicrobialpolyurethane. In other embodiments, the antimicrobial material may becopper sulfate. Medical care kits have traditionally used foam tosupport the devices held therein. This has been considered important dueto the risk of damage to the devices as the kit is transported. Thesystems disclosed herein, however, may be intended to beself-administered by a patient after shipping, prompting a need for thesurfaces of the system, including the surfaces supporting the medicaldevices, to resist contamination and be readily disinfected. The use ofantimicrobial and easily disinfected materials, such as antimicrobialpolyurethane and/or copper sulfate, therefore proceeds contrary toestablished wisdom, and meets a need that has not previously beenrecognized for self-administrable medical examination systems. At thesame time, the risk of damage to the devices can be mitigated bydesigning the shape and contours of the compartments to better supportthe medical devices and absorb shocks, as well as by incorporatingmagnets or other locking mechanisms to prevent the medical devices fromshifting during transportation. In some embodiments, the tray or casemay be self-sterilizing, or they may be easily sterilized by wiping witha disinfecting solution or by applying disinfecting energy (e.g., UVCradiation).

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplary system in an open statein which a support arm 170 is extended. In some embodiments, display 130may be coupled to lid 166 by a support arm 170. In some embodiments,support arm may include multiple segments which may pivot or telescoperelative to one another. For example, in the depicted embodiment,support arm 170 includes a first segment 171 and a second segment 172which are coupled to one another via a pivotable joint 174. The supportarm 170 may be coupled to the lid by a joint 173. In some embodiments,joint 173 may enable the arm 170 to move in two or more degrees offreedom. For example, the arm 170 may be pivoted about an axis that isnormal to the plane of the lid 166, and it may also be pivoted about anaxis that is parallel to the plane of the lid 166. In some embodiments,the display 130 may be attached to the arm 170 by a holding portion 176.The holding portion 176 may be pivotable relative to the arm. Forexample, the holding portion 176 may be attached to the arm 170 by apivotable joint 175. In some embodiments, a first camera may beassociated with the display 130 (i.e., it may be a component of adisplay table). A second camera 178 may be separate from the display. Insome embodiments, the second camera may be attached to the arm 170 via acoupling that extends directly between the second camera 178 and the arm170. In some embodiments, the first camera may be arranged to capturevideo of a patient's face, and the second camera may be arranged tocapture video of another portion of the patient. For example, while thefirst camera captures video of the patient's face, the second camera maycapture video of a patient's hands. In some embodiments, one of thecameras may be part of or be replaced with a tracking system that isconfigured to detect movements of a person's hand or other body part.Hand tracking systems are commercially available, and may bebeneficially incorporated into the systems described herein. Thisarrangement may be particularly advantageous where a doctor wishes toconduct an evaluation where the patient's face and another body part(e.g., hands or written information that the patient records with his orher hands) simultaneously, as may be the case, for example, in aneurocognitive evaluation. In multi-camera embodiments, the cameras maysimultaneously transmit information to the computing device 120, whichmay then transmit the information to a doctor using the processesdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary illustration of a system 100 in which a trayand medical devices have been removed to show other components. Thesystem may include one or more routers 610, one or more batteries 620,and a plurality of antennas 150 a, 150 b, 150 c. In some embodiments,the system may include a GPS antenna 630. In some embodiments, thesystem 100 may act as a WiFi hotspot. In some embodiments, the one ormore routers 610 may be configured to transmit and receive signals viaantennas 150 to a wide area network, such as the internet. For example,the one or more routers may be configured to communicate via cellular,5G, 4G, LTE, satellite, sub 6 GHz networks, mmWave, or any othersuitable wireless or wired communication technology. In someembodiments, the one or more routers 610 may also be configured tocommunicate, directly or indirectly, with local devices, such as themedical devices and display within system 100 via local wirelesscommunication technologies, such as WiFi and Bluetooth. In someembodiment, a first set of antennas may be used for cellularcommunications with network nodes, and a second set of antennas may beused for WiFi communications with local devices (e.g., the medicaldevices, the display, or other user devices near the system 100). Insome embodiments, the antennas may be arranged such that they areangularly offset from one-another. For example, a pair of antennas usedfor cellular communications may be tilted relative to one-another by anoffset angle between 30° and 60°, between 40° and 50°, or mostpreferably, by 45°. This may advantageously improve the cellularreception of the system by improving the likelihood that at least one ofthe antennas will be disposed in a suitable orientation to optimizesignal strength. In some embodiments, the one or more routers 610 may beseparate devices configured to communicate using different wirelesscommunication technologies, or they may be a single device configured tocommunicate using multiple wireless communication technologies. In someembodiments, a computing device 120 may be or include the one or morerouters 610. In some embodiments, the case may include a plurality ofmounting structures 640, which may be configured to facilitate theattachment of devices (e.g., routers, computing devices, antennas,batteries) to the case. For example, mounting structures 640 may bethreaded holes configured to receive bolts, such that devices may beeasily bolted to the case.

In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a modem configured totransmit to nodes of a telecommunication at high power. For example, thesystem 100 may include a cellular modem configured to transmit at anaverage power of approximately 1.25 Watts. In other embodiments, theaverage transmission power may be greater than 0.2 Watts, greater than0.3 Watts, greater than 0.5 Watts, or greater than 1.0 Watts. The U.S.Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates cellular devices andordinarily limits such devices to a maximum transmission power of 0.2Watts. Such devices may be referred to as Class 3 FCC devices.Higher-powered devices may be referred to as Class 1 or Class 2 FCCdevices. By using a modem capable of transmitting at high power (e.g.,1.25 Watts), service quality can be dramatically improved, and thesystem 100 can be used in increasingly remote areas. Further, the system100 may be configured to transmit and receive communications onfrequencies reserved for public safety communications. For example, thesystem may be configured to communicate on Band 14 and/or the FirstResponder Network Authority (FirstNet). This may also improve servicequality and further expand the geographic areas that the system 100 canbe used.

FIGS. 7-9 show exemplary charging embodiments which may be used tosupply power to the medical devices 116. These charging embodiments maybe included in any of the embodiments described herein with respect toFIGS. 1-6 and 10. As shown in FIG. 7, the system may include a tray 118which may have a plurality of receptacles. Each receptacle may beconfigured to receive a respective medical device 116. Power may besupplied to the system 100 by plugging the system into a power outlet702. The system may have a jack 704, which may be configured to receivea power cable. The system may further include an AC/DC converter 706. Insome embodiments, an AC/DC converter may instead be included in a powercable, such that the AC/DC converter may be omitted from the case. Thesystem 100 may further include a battery 708, which may be configured tostore energy received from a power outlet 702. The system may include apower switch 710. Optionally, the power switch may power on/off one,some, or all of the computing device 120, display 130, antennas 150, andmedical devices 116. Power may be supplied from the battery (or othercomponent such as an AC/DC converter or power cable) to one, some, orall of the computing device 120, display 130, and antennas 150.

Power may also be supplied to a plurality of charging interfaces 730.Charging interfaces may be electrical pads or pins or any otherstructure that may be configured to deliver power to one or more of themedical devices 116. In some embodiments, inductors may be affixed toone side of the tray such to deliver power across the material of thetray and to the medical devices, which may be configured to bewirelessly charged. In other embodiments, a wire may be passed throughthe tray so that a wired charging interface may be disposed within thereceptacle, such that the charging interface may engage and charge amedical device as it sits in the receptacle. In some embodiments, thereceptacles may include magnets which may be arranged to guide themedical devices (which may include corresponding magnets) into a correctposition to be charged (e.g., such that charging contacts of therespective medical device engage charging contacts of the respectivecharging interface 730).

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment that is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 7,except that the wired (or partially wired) charging system of the FIG. 7embodiment is replaced by a wireless charger 740. In some embodiments, awireless charger 740 may be coupled to the power supply to transmitpower wirelessly to the medical devices 116 as they are disposed intheir respective receptacles. In this embodiment, as in the embodimentshown in FIG. 7, magnets may be used to ensure that the medical devicesare disposed in an optimal position for charging and transportation. Forexample, the use of magnets may prevent or reduce the extent to whichthe medical devices shift during transportation, which may betterprevent damage to the medical devices. This can be particularlyadvantageous where foam cushions are not used to support the medicaldevices. Avoiding the use of foam cushions may be desired because foamis difficult to disinfect.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment that is similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 7and 8, except that the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 has a charging system750 that is integrated into tray 118. For example, a charging system 750may be imbedded into tray 118 and coupled to the power source 708 of thesystem. The imbedded charging system 750 may include conductors whichmay run through the material of the tray 118 and supply power tocharging interfaces in the respective receptacles. Similar to theembodiment of FIG. 7, the charging interfaces may be wired contacts(e.g., pins, plugs) or wireless interfaces (e.g., inductors). The wired(or partially wired) charging system of the FIG. 7 embodiment isreplaced by a wireless charger 740. In this embodiment, as in theembodiment shown in FIG. 7, magnets may be used to ensure that themedical devices are disposed in an optimal position for charging.

Any of the embodiments described above with respect to FIGS. 7-9 can bemanufactured by molding a case and/or tray from a material havingcompounds that can be selectively activated by an energy source, such asa laser. The energized portions of the case and/or tray can then be usedin a metal deposition process to deposit circuit traces and otherelectronic components (such as inductors, antennas, and/or powerdistribution components) directly onto the material of the case and/ortray. For example, metallic or polymeric additives suitable for use in alaser direct structuring (LDS) process may be incorporated into thematerial used in the case and/or tray. Suitable materials include theTECACOMP® LDS compounds sold by Ensinger. A laser may then be used toform the lines along which conductive traces should be formed, and thecase and/or tray may then be subjected to a deposition process (e.g., beplaced in an electroless copper bath) to form the desired circuits onthe case and/or tray.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary system 100 that includes energy sources 1110a, 1110 b for sterilizing medical devices 116. As described above withrespect to FIGS. 4-9, the system 100 may include a tray 118, which mayhave a plurality of receptacles for holding medical devices 116. In someembodiments, it may be desirable for the system to enable automaticsterilization of the medical devices 116 before or after they are used.In some embodiments, a first energy source 1010 a may be attached to alid 166 of the case to direct energy at a top surface of the medicaldevices when the case is in a closed state. In some embodiments, asecond energy source 1010 b may be attached to a lower portion 168 ofthe case to direct energy at a lower surface of the medical devices whenthe case is in a closed state. In some embodiments, the energy sources1010 a, 1010 b may be UV radiation sources. In some embodiments, theenergy sources 1010 a, 1010 b may be UVC radiation sources. In someembodiments, the tray 118 may be made in whole or in part of a materialthat does not block UV or UVC radiation. For example, the tray 118 maybe made in whole or in part of quartz, sapphire, or other material thatallows UV or UVC radiation to pass. This arrangement may be incorporatedin any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

A significant advantage of the systems described herein is that they arewell-suited to be self-administered by a patient. Patients may simplyopen the case and power on the system (which may include, for example,one or more of plugging in the system, powering on one or more of thedevices, and completing any log-in prompts), and the system mayautomatically establish communication links and be ready to conduct atelehealth appointment. For example, upon initiating use of the systemby transitioning the case from the closed state to the open state andpowering on the system, including one or more of the plurality ofmedical devices and/or the computing device, the system may beconfigured to automatically establish a first communication channelbetween the computing device and at least one of the medical devices ofthe plurality of medical devices without requiring further action by auser. The first communication channel may be direct or indirect. Forexample, the medical devices may transmit data to a display, which maythen transmit the data to the computing device. The system may befurther configured to automatically establish a second communicationchannel between the computing device and the one or more nodes of thetelecommunications network without requiring further action by the user.

Further, by using medical devices that communicate data wirelessly andcharge automatically when they are disposed in their receptacles, thesystem may require essentially no-set up before use or clean-up afteruse. Likewise, a self-sanitation feature may further reduce set-up andclean-up. An adjustable support arm also facilitates a self-administeredtelehealth appointment by allowing the patient to easily move thedisplay or camera to an orientation that is suitable to conduct theexamination.

These advantages may eliminate (or significantly reduce) the need tohave a technician on-site with the patient to conduct the telehealthappointment, thereby significantly reducing the cost and improving theconvenience of using the system.

NUMBERED EMBODIMENTS

A1. A telehealth system comprising:

-   -   a case, the case housing at least:        -   a display;        -   a microphone;        -   a camera;        -   a plurality of medical devices;        -   a plurality of antennas;        -   a plurality of access credentials; and        -   a computing device comprising a processor;    -   wherein the system is configured to:        -   obtain, using a first medical device of the plurality of            medical devices, patient data indicating a health parameter            of a patient;        -   transmit the patient data to the computing device;        -   obtain, using the microphone, audio data;        -   obtain, using the camera, video data;        -   generate a plurality of data packets, the plurality of data            packets collectively comprising information related to the            patient data, the audio data, and the video data;        -   establish, using at least in part the plurality of access            credentials, communications links with a plurality of            network nodes, the plurality of nodes comprising a first            node and a second node;        -   transmit, using a first antenna of the plurality of            antennas, a first set of data packets of the plurality of            data packets to the first node;        -   while transmitting the first set of data packets to the            first node using the first antenna, transmit, using a second            antenna of the plurality of antennas, a second set of data            packets of the plurality of data packets to the second node;        -   detect an interruption in the link to the first node;        -   as a result of detecting the interruption, transmit a third            set of data packets to the second node, wherein the third            set of data packets would have been sent to the first node            in the absence of the detected interruption.            A2. The system of embodiment A1, wherein the system is            further configured to transmit redundant information to both            the first node and the second node.            A3. The system of any of embodiments A1-A2, wherein the            system is further configured to:    -   receive a fourth set of data packets from the first node;    -   receive a fifth set of data packets from the second node;    -   combine data from the fourth set of data packets and the fifth        set of data packets to yield a video segment; and    -   play the video segment on the display.        A4. The system of any of embodiments A1-A3, wherein the first        node is associated with a first network provider and the second        node is associated with a second network provider that is        different than the first network provider.        A5. The system of any of embodiments A1-A4, wherein the system        is further configured to:    -   determine, based on the detected interruption in the link to the        first network node, information that was not successfully        transmitted due to the interruption; and    -   transmit replacement data packets to the second node, the        replacement data packets comprising the information that was not        successfully transmitted due to the interruption.        A6. The system of any of embodiments A1-A5, wherein the system        is configured to transmit the patient data to the computing        device using a first wireless communication protocol and the        first antenna is configured to transmit the first set of data        packets to the first node using a second wireless communication        protocol that is different than the first wireless communication        protocol.        A7. The system of any of embodiments A1-A6, wherein the        computing device is configured to wirelessly receive information        from multiple of the plurality of medical devices        simultaneously.        A8. The system of any of embodiments A1-A7, wherein the system        is further configured to:    -   transmit the patient data from one or more of the plurality of        medical devices to the display; and    -   display, using the display, an indication based on the patient        data received from the one or more of the plurality of medical        devices.        A9. The system of any of embodiments A1-A8, wherein the display        is coupled to a lid of the case by a support arm, the support        arm being pivotable relative to the lid to allow a position of        the display to be adjusted.        A10. The system of embodiment A9, further comprising a first        camera and a second camera, the first camera being associated        with the display and configured to capture a patient's face, the        second camera being separate from the display and configured to        capture a part of the patient other than the face.        A11. The system of any of embodiments A1-A10, wherein the system        further comprises:    -   a tray having a plurality of receptacles;    -   a plurality of charging interfaces, each charging interface        being associated with a respective receptacle of the plurality        of receptacles such that a respective medical device of the        plurality of medical devices, when placed in the respective        receptacle, is configured to engage the respective charging        interface to be charged.        A12. The system of any of embodiments A1-A10, wherein the system        comprises a tray having a plurality of receptacles; and    -   a wireless charger, the wireless charger being configured to        charge multiple medical devices of the plurality of medical        devices when the multiple medical devices are in respective        receptacles of the plurality of receptacles.        A13. The system of any of embodiments A1-A10, further comprising        a tray made of antimicrobial material.        A14. The system of any of embodiments A1-A10 further comprising:    -   a tray comprising a plurality of receptacles, the plurality of        medical devices being disposed in respective receptacles of the        plurality of receptacles; and    -   an ultraviolet light source;    -   wherein the tray is disposed between the ultraviolet light        source and the medical devices of the plurality of medical        devices; and    -   the tray comprises a material that transmits ultraviolet light,        such that the medical devices are configured to be sterilized by        ultraviolet light that is emitted by the ultraviolet light        source and passes through the tray.        A15. The system of any of embodiments A1-A14, wherein, upon        initiating use of the system by transitioning the case from a        closed state to an open state and powering on the system,        including one or more of the plurality of medical devices, the        system is configured to:    -   automatically establish a first communication channel between        the computing device and at least one of the medical devices of        the plurality of medical devices without requiring further        action by a user; and    -   automatically establish a second communication channel between        the computing device and the one or more nodes of the        communications network without requiring further action by the        user.        A16. The system of any of embodiments A1-A15, wherein at least        one of the first set of data packets and the second set of data        packets are transmitted at a power greater than 0.2 Watts.        B1. A telehealth system comprising:    -   a case, the case housing at least:        -   a display;        -   a microphone;        -   a camera;        -   a plurality of medical devices; and        -   a computing device configured to communicate with one or            more of the display, the microphone, the camera, and the            plurality of medical devices, the computing device being            further configured to communicate with one or more nodes of            a communications network;    -   wherein the display is coupled to a lid of the case by a support        arm, the support arm being pivotable relative to the lid to        allow a position of the display to be adjusted.        B2. The system of embodiment B1, wherein the support arm        comprises a first arm segment and a second arm segment, the        first arm segment being coupled to the second arm segment via a        hinge.        B3. The system of any of embodiments B1-132, wherein the system        is further configured to:    -   transmit, using a first antenna, a first set of data packets to        a first network node;    -   while transmitting the first set of data packets to the first        node using the first antenna, transmit, using a second antenna,        a second set of data packets to a second network node;    -   detect an interruption in a link to the first network node;    -   as a result of detecting the interruption, transmit a third set        of data packets to the second node, wherein the third set of        data packets would have been sent to the first network node in        the absence of the detected interruption.        B4. The system of embodiment B3, wherein the first node is        associated with a first network provider and the second node is        associated with a second network provider that is different than        the first network provider.        B5. The system of any of embodiments B3-B4, wherein the system        is further configured to:    -   determine, based on the detected interruption in the link to the        first network node, information that was not successfully        transmitted due to the interruption; and    -   transmit replacement data packets to the second node, the        replacement data packets comprising the information that was not        successfully transmitted due to the interruption.        B6. The system of any of embodiments B1-135, wherein the        computing device is configured to communicate with the plurality        of medical devices using a first wireless communication        protocol, and the computing device is configured to communicate        with the one or more nodes of the communications network using a        second wireless communication protocol that is different than        the first wireless communication protocol.        B7. The system of any of embodiments B1-136, wherein the        computing device is configured to wirelessly receive information        from multiple of the plurality of medical devices        simultaneously.        B8. The system of any of embodiments B1-137, wherein the system        is further configured to:    -   transmit patient data from a first medical device of the        plurality of medical devices to the display; and    -   display, using the display, an indication based on the patient        data received from the first medical device.        B9. The system of any of embodiments B1-138, wherein the support        arm is coupled to the lid of the case by a hinged joint that        enables at least two kinematic degrees of freedom.        B10. The system of any of embodiments B1-139, further comprising        a first camera and a second camera, the first camera being        associated with the display and configured to capture a        patient's face, the second camera being separate from the        display and configured to capture a part of the patient other        than the face.        B11. The system of any of embodiments B1-610, wherein the system        further comprises:    -   a tray having a plurality of receptacles;    -   a plurality of charging interfaces, each charging interface        being associated with a respective receptacle of the plurality        of receptacles such that a respective medical device of the        plurality of medical devices, when placed in the respective        receptacle, is configured to engage the respective charging        interface to be charged.        B12. The system of any of embodiments B1-610, wherein the system        comprises a tray having a plurality of receptacles; and    -   a wireless charger, the wireless charger being configured to        charge multiple medical devices of the plurality of medical        devices when the multiple medical devices are in respective        receptacles of the plurality of receptacles.        B13. The system of any of embodiments B1-610, further comprising        a tray made of antimicrobial material.        B14. The system of any of embodiments B1-610 further comprising:    -   a tray comprising a plurality of receptacles, the plurality of        medical devices being disposed in respective receptacles of the        plurality of receptacles; and    -   an ultraviolet light source;    -   wherein the tray is disposed between the ultraviolet light        source and the medical devices of the plurality of medical        devices; and    -   the tray comprises a material that transmits ultraviolet light,        such that the medical devices are configured to be sterilized by        ultraviolet light that is emitted by the ultraviolet light        source and passes through the tray.        B15. The system of any of embodiments B1-614, wherein, upon        initiating use of the system by transitioning the case from a        closed state to an open state and powering on the system,        including one or more of the plurality of medical devices, the        system is configured to:    -   automatically establish a first communication channel between        the computing device and at least one of the medical devices of        the plurality of medical devices without requiring further        action by a user; and    -   automatically establish a second communication channel between        the computing device and the one or more nodes of the        communications network without requiring further action by the        user.        B16. The system of any of embodiments B1-615, wherein the system        is configured to transmit communications to the one or more        nodes of the communications at a power greater than 0.2 Watts.        C1. A telehealth system comprising:    -   a case, the case housing at least:        -   a display;        -   a microphone;        -   a camera;        -   a plurality of medical devices;        -   a tray comprising a plurality of receptacles shaped and            sized to receive respective medical devices of the plurality            of medical devices; and        -   a computing device configured to communicate with one or            more of the display, the microphone, the camera, and the            plurality of medical devices, the computing device being            further configured to communicate with one or more nodes of            a communications network;    -   wherein the tray is configured to be disinfected by wiping a        surface of the tray or by applying UV radiation.        C2. The system of embodiment B1, wherein case comprises a lower        portion and a lid, and the tray is supported by a shoulder of        the lower portion.        C3. The system of any of embodiments C1-C2, wherein the system        is further configured to:    -   transmit, using a first antenna, a first set of data packets to        a first network node;    -   while transmitting the first set of data packets to the first        node using the first antenna, transmit, using a second antenna,        a second set of data packets to a second network node;    -   detect an interruption in a link to the first network node;    -   as a result of detecting the interruption, transmit a third set        of data packets to the second node, wherein the third set of        data packets would have been sent to the first network node in        the absence of the detected interruption.        C4. The system of embodiment C3, wherein the first node is        associated with a first network provider and the second node is        associated with a second network provider that is different than        the first network provider.        C5. The system of any of embodiments C3-C4, wherein the system        is further configured to:    -   determine, based on the detected interruption in the link to the        first network node, information that was not successfully        transmitted due to the interruption; and    -   transmit replacement data packets to the second node, the        replacement data packets comprising the information that was not        successfully transmitted due to the interruption.        C6. The system of any of embodiments C1-C5, wherein the        computing device is configured to communicate with the plurality        of medical devices using a first wireless communication        protocol, and the computing device is configured to communicate        with the one or more nodes of the communications network using a        second wireless communication protocol that is different than        the first wireless communication protocol.        C7. The system of any of embodiments C1-C6, wherein the        computing device is configured to wirelessly receive information        from multiple of the plurality of medical devices        simultaneously.        C8. The system of any of embodiments C1-C7, wherein the system        is further configured to:    -   transmit patient data from a first medical device of the        plurality of medical devices to the display; and    -   display, using the display, an indication based on the patient        data received from the first medical device.        C9. The system of any of embodiments C1-C8, wherein the display        is coupled to a lid of the case by a support arm, the support        arm being pivotable relative to the lid to allow a position of        the display to be adjusted.        C10. The system of any of embodiments C1-C9, further comprising        a first camera and a second camera, the first camera being        associated with the display and configured to capture a        patient's face, the second camera being separate from the        display and configured to capture a part of the patient other        than the face.        C11. The system of any of embodiments C1-C10, wherein the system        further comprises:    -   a plurality of receptacles disposed in the tray; and    -   a plurality of charging interfaces, each charging interface        being associated with a respective receptacle of the plurality        of receptacles such that a respective medical device of the        plurality of medical devices, when placed in the respective        receptacle, is configured to engage the respective charging        interface to be charged.        C12. The system of any of embodiments C1-C10, wherein the system        comprises a plurality of receptacles disposed in the tray; and    -   a wireless charger, the wireless charger being configured to        charge multiple medical devices of the plurality of medical        devices when the multiple medical devices are in respective        receptacles of the plurality of receptacles.        C13. The system of any of embodiments C1-C12, wherein the tray        is made of antimicrobial material.        C14. The system of any of embodiments C1-C13 further comprising:    -   a plurality of receptacles disposed in the tray, the plurality        of medical devices being disposed in respective receptacles of        the plurality of receptacles; and    -   an ultraviolet light source;    -   wherein the tray is disposed between the ultraviolet light        source and the medical devices of the plurality of medical        devices; and    -   the tray comprises a material that transmits ultraviolet light,        such that the medical devices are configured to be sterilized by        ultraviolet light that is emitted by the ultraviolet light        source and passes through the tray.        C15. The system of any of embodiments C1-C14, wherein, upon        initiating use of the system by transitioning the case from a        closed state to an open state and powering on the system,        including one or more of the plurality of medical devices, the        system is configured to:    -   automatically establish a first communication channel between        the computing device and at least one of the medical devices of        the plurality of medical devices without requiring further        action by a user; and    -   automatically establish a second communication channel between        the computing device and the one or more nodes of the        communications network without requiring further action by the        user.        C16. The system of any of embodiments C1-C15, wherein the system        is configured to transmit communications to the one or more        nodes of the communications at a power greater than 0.2 Watts.        D1. A telehealth system comprising:    -   a case having a closed state and an open state, the case in the        closed state housing at least:        -   a display;        -   a microphone;        -   a camera;        -   a plurality of medical devices; and        -   a computing device configured to communicate with one or            more of the display, the microphone, the camera, and the            plurality of medical devices, the computing device being            further configured to communicate with one or more nodes of            a communications network;    -   wherein, upon initiating use of the system by transitioning the        case from the closed state to the open state and powering on the        system, including one or more of the plurality of medical        devices, the system is configured to:        -   automatically establish a first communication channel            between the computing device and at least one of the medical            devices of the plurality of medical devices without            requiring further action by a user; and        -   automatically establish a second communication channel            between the computing device and the one or more nodes of            the communications network without requiring further action            by the user.            D2. The system of embodiment D1, wherein the step of            initiating use of the system consists essentially of            transitioning the case from the closed state to the open            state and powering on the system, including one or more of            the plurality of medical devices.            D3. The system of any of embodiments D1-D2, wherein powering            on the system comprises plugging in a power cable.            D4. The system of any of embodiments D1-D3, wherein the            system is further configured to:    -   transmit, using a first antenna, a first set of data packets to        a first network node;    -   while transmitting the first set of data packets to the first        node using the first antenna, transmit, using a second antenna,        a second set of data packets to a second network node;    -   detect an interruption in a link to the first network node; and    -   as a result of detecting the interruption, transmit a third set        of data packets to the second node, wherein the third set of        data packets would have been sent to the first network node in        the absence of the detected interruption.        D5. The system of embodiment D4, wherein the first node is        associated with a first network provider and the second node is        associated with a second network provider that is different than        the first network provider.        D6. The system of any of embodiments D4-D5, wherein the system        is further configured to:    -   determine, based on the detected interruption in the link to the        first network node, information that was not successfully        transmitted due to the interruption;    -   transmit replacement data packets to the second node, the        replacement data packets comprising the information that was not        successfully transmitted due to the interruption.        D7. The system of any of embodiments D1-D6, wherein the        computing device is configured to communicate with the plurality        of medical devices using a first wireless communication        protocol, and the computing device is configured to communicate        with the one or more nodes of the communications network using a        second wireless communication protocol that is different than        the first wireless communication protocol.        D8. The system of any of embodiments D1-D7, wherein the        computing device is configured to wirelessly receive information        from multiple of the plurality of medical devices        simultaneously.        D9. The system of any of embodiments D1-D8, wherein the system        is further configured to:    -   transmit patient data from a first medical device of the        plurality of medical devices to the display; and    -   display, using the display, an indication based on the patient        data received from the first medical device.        D10. The system of any of embodiments D1-D9, wherein the display        is coupled to a lid of the case by a support arm, the support        arm being pivotable relative to the lid to allow a position of        the display to be adjusted.        D11. The system of any of embodiments D1-D10, further comprising        a first camera and a second camera, the first camera being        associated with the display and configured to capture a        patient's face, the second camera being separate from the        display and configured to capture a part of the patient other        than the face.        D12. The system of any of embodiments D1-D11, wherein the system        further comprises:    -   a tray having a plurality of receptacles; and    -   a plurality of charging interfaces, each charging interface        being associated with a respective receptacle of the plurality        of receptacles such that a respective medical device of the        plurality of medical devices, when placed in the respective        receptacle, is configured to engage the respective charging        interface to be charged.        D13. The system of any of embodiments D1-D12, wherein the system        comprises a tray having a plurality of receptacles; and    -   a wireless charger, the wireless charger being configured to        charge multiple medical devices of the plurality of medical        devices when the multiple medical devices are in respective        receptacles of the plurality of receptacles.        D14. The system of any of embodiments D1-D12, further comprising        a tray made of antimicrobial material.        D15. The system of any of embodiments D1-D12 further comprising:    -   a tray comprising a plurality of receptacles, the plurality of        medical devices being disposed in respective receptacles of the        plurality of receptacles; and    -   an ultraviolet light source;    -   wherein the tray is disposed between the ultraviolet light        source and the medical devices of the plurality of medical        devices; and    -   the tray comprises a material that transmits ultraviolet light,        such that the medical devices are configured to be sterilized by        ultraviolet light that is emitted by the ultraviolet light        source and passes through the tray.        D16. The system of any of embodiments D1-D15, wherein the system        is configured to transmit communications to the one or more        nodes of the communications at a power greater than 0.2 Watts.        E1. A telehealth system comprising:    -   a case, the case housing at least:        -   a display;        -   a microphone;        -   a camera;        -   a plurality of medical devices; and        -   a computing device configured to communicate with one or            more of the display, the microphone, the camera, and the            plurality of medical devices, the computing device being            further configured to communicate with one or more nodes of            a communications network;    -   wherein the system is configured to:        -   obtain, using a first medical device of the plurality of            medical devices, patient data indicating a health parameter            of a patient;        -   transmit, using a first wireless communication protocol, the            patient data from the first medical device to the display;        -   transmit, using a second wireless communication protocol,            the patient data from the display to the computing device;        -   display, using the display, information related to the            patient data;        -   transmit, using a third wireless communication protocol, the            patient data from the computing device to one or more nodes            of a communications network, the third wireless            communication protocol being different than both the first            and second wireless communication protocols.            E2. The system of embodiment E1, wherein the microphone and            camera are components of the display, and the display is            configured to wirelessly transmit data captured by the            microphone or the camera to the computing device.            E3. The system of any of embodiments E1-E2, wherein system            is further configured to:    -   receive, at the computing device, video data from the one or        more nodes of the communications network;    -   transmit the video data from the computing device to the        display; and    -   display, using the display, a video segment based on the video        data.        E4. The system of any of embodiments E1-E3, wherein the system        is further configured to:    -   transmit, using a first antenna, a first set of data packets to        a first network node;    -   while transmitting the first set of data packets to the first        node using the first antenna, transmit, using a second antenna,        a second set of data packets to a second network node;    -   detect an interruption in a link to the first network node;    -   as a result of detecting the interruption, transmit a third set        of data packets to the second node, wherein the third set of        data packets would have been sent to the first network node in        the absence of the detected interruption.        E5. The system of embodiment E4, wherein the first node is        associated with a first network provider and the second node is        associated with a second network provider that is different than        the first network provider.        E6. The system of any of embodiments E4-E5, wherein the system        is further configured to:    -   determine, based on the detected interruption in the link to the        first network node, information that was not successfully        transmitted due to the interruption; and    -   transmit replacement data packets to the second node, the        replacement data packets comprising the information that was not        successfully transmitted due to the interruption.        E7. The system of any of embodiments E1-E6, wherein the first        wireless communication is the same as the second wireless        communication protocol, and both the first wireless        communication protocol and the second wireless communication        protocol use a frequency between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz.        E8. The system of any of embodiments E1-E7, wherein the        computing device is configured to wirelessly receive information        from multiple of the plurality of medical devices        simultaneously.        E9. The system of any of embodiments E1-E8, wherein the display        is coupled to a lid of the case by a support arm, the support        arm being pivotable relative to the lid to allow a position of        the display to be adjusted.        E10. The system of any of embodiments E1-E9, further comprising        a first camera and a second camera, the first camera being        associated with the display and configured to capture a        patient's face, the second camera being separate from the        display and configured to capture a part of the patient other        than the face.        E11. The system of any of embodiments E1-E10, wherein the system        further comprises:    -   a tray having a plurality of receptacles;    -   a plurality of charging interfaces, each charging interface        being associated with a respective receptacle of the plurality        of receptacles such that a respective medical device of the        plurality of medical devices, when placed in the respective        receptacle, is configured to engage the respective charging        interface to be charged.        E12. The system of any of embodiments E1-E10, wherein the system        comprises a tray having a plurality of receptacles; and    -   a wireless charger, the wireless charger being configured to        charge multiple medical devices of the plurality of medical        devices when the multiple medical devices are in respective        receptacles of the plurality of receptacles.        E13. The system of any of embodiments E1-E10, further comprising        a tray made of antimicrobial material.        E14. The system of any of embodiments E1-E10 further comprising:    -   a tray comprising a plurality of receptacles, the plurality of        medical devices being disposed in respective receptacles of the        plurality of receptacles; and    -   an ultraviolet light source;    -   wherein the tray is disposed between the ultraviolet light        source and the medical devices of the plurality of medical        devices; and    -   the tray comprises a material that transmits ultraviolet light,        such that the medical devices are configured to be sterilized by        ultraviolet light that is emitted by the ultraviolet light        source and passes through the tray.        E15. The system of any of embodiments E1-E14, wherein, upon        initiating use of the system by transitioning the case from a        closed state to an open state and powering on the system,        including one or more of the plurality of medical devices, the        system is configured to:    -   automatically establish a first communication channel between        the computing device and at least one of the medical devices of        the plurality of medical devices without requiring further        action by a user; and    -   automatically establish a second communication channel between        the computing device and the one or more nodes of the        communications network without requiring further action by the        user.        E16. The system of any of embodiments E1-E15, wherein the system        is configured to transmit communications to the one or more        nodes of the communications at a power greater than 0.2 Watts.        F1. A telehealth system comprising:    -   a case, the case housing at least:        -   a display;        -   a microphone;        -   a first camera;        -   a second camera;        -   a plurality of medical devices; and        -   a computing device configured to communicate with one or            more of the display, the microphone, the first camera, the            second camera, and the plurality of medical devices, the            computing device being further configured to communicate            with one or more nodes of a communications network;    -   wherein the system, in a deployed state, is configured to:        -   obtain, using the first camera, first video data of a            patient's face;        -   obtain, using the second camera, second video data of a            patient's hand;        -   transmit, using a wireless communication protocol, the first            video data and the second video data to one or more nodes of            a communications network.            F2. The system of embodiment F1, wherein the first camera is            associated with the display, and the second camera is            separate from the display.            F3. The system of any of embodiments F1-F2, wherein the            system is further configured to:    -   transmit, using a first antenna, a first set of data packets to        a first network node;    -   while transmitting the first set of data packets to the first        node using the first antenna, transmit, using a second antenna,        a second set of data packets to a second network node;    -   detect an interruption in a link to the first network node;    -   as a result of detecting the interruption, transmit a third set        of data packets to the second node, wherein the third set of        data packets would have been sent to the first network node in        the absence of the detected interruption.        F4. The system of embodiment F3, wherein the first node is        associated with a first network provider and the second node is        associated with a second network provider that is different than        the first network provider.        F5. The system of any of embodiments F3-F4, wherein the system        is further configured to:    -   determine, based on the detected interruption in the link to the        first network node, information that was not successfully        transmitted due to the interruption; and    -   transmit replacement data packets to the second node, the        replacement data packets comprising the information that was not        successfully transmitted due to the interruption.        F6. The system of any of embodiments F1-F5, wherein the        computing device is configured to communicate with the plurality        of medical devices using a first wireless communication        protocol, and the computing device is configured to communicate        with the one or more nodes of the communications network using a        second wireless communication protocol that is different than        the first wireless communication protocol.        F7. The system of any of embodiments F1-F6, wherein the        computing device is configured to wirelessly receive information        from multiple of the plurality of medical devices        simultaneously.        F8. The system of any of embodiments F1-F7, wherein the system        is further configured to:    -   transmit patient data from a first medical device of the        plurality of medical devices to the display; and    -   display, using the display, an indication based on the patient        data received from the first medical device.        F9. The system of any of embodiments F1-F8, wherein the display        is coupled to a lid of the case by a support arm, the support        arm being pivotable relative to the lid to allow a position of        the display to be adjusted.        F10. The system of any of embodiments F1-F9, wherein the first        camera is coupled to the support arm via the display and the        second camera is coupled to the support arm via a coupling        extending directly between the support arm and the second        camera.        F11. The system of any of embodiments F1-F10, wherein the system        further comprises:    -   a tray having a plurality of receptacles; and    -   a plurality of charging interfaces, each charging interface        being associated with a respective receptacle of the plurality        of receptacles such that a respective medical device of the        plurality of medical devices, when placed in the respective        receptacle, is configured to engage the respective charging        interface to be charged.        F12. The system of any of embodiments F1-F10, wherein the system        comprises a tray having a plurality of receptacles; and    -   a wireless charger, the wireless charger being configured to        charge multiple medical devices of the plurality of medical        devices when the multiple medical devices are in respective        receptacles of the plurality of receptacles.        F13. The system of any of embodiments F1-F10, further comprising        a tray made of antimicrobial material.        F14. The system of any of embodiments F1-F10 further comprising:    -   a tray comprising a plurality of receptacles, the plurality of        medical devices being disposed in respective receptacles of the        plurality of receptacles; and    -   an ultraviolet light source;    -   wherein the tray is disposed between the ultraviolet light        source and the medical devices of the plurality of medical        devices; and    -   the tray comprises a material that transmits ultraviolet light,        such that the medical devices are configured to be sterilized by        ultraviolet light that is emitted by the ultraviolet light        source and passes through the tray.        F15. The system of any of embodiments F1-F14, wherein, upon        initiating use of the system by transitioning the case from a        closed state to an open state and powering on the system,        including one or more of the plurality of medical devices, the        system is configured to:    -   automatically establish a first communication channel between        the computing device and at least one of the medical devices of        the plurality of medical devices without requiring further        action by a user; and automatically establish a second        communication channel between the computing device and the one        or more nodes of the communications network without requiring        further action by the user.        F16. The system of any of embodiments F1-F15, wherein the system        is configured to transmit communications to the one or more        nodes of the communications at a power greater than 0.2 Watts.        G1. A telehealth system comprising:    -   a case, the case housing at least:        -   a display;        -   a microphone;        -   a camera;        -   a plurality of medical devices;        -   a tray having a plurality of receptacles, the tray being            made of an antimicrobial material; and        -   a computing device configured to communicate with one or            more of the display, the microphone, the camera, and the            plurality of medical devices, the computing device being            further configured to communicate with one or more nodes of            a communications network.

While the subject matter of this disclosure has been described and shownin considerable detail with reference to certain illustrativeembodiments, including various combinations and sub-combinations offeatures, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate otherembodiments and variations and modifications thereof as encompassedwithin the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the descriptionsof such embodiments, combinations, and sub-combinations is not intendedto convey that the claimed subject matter requires features orcombinations of features other than those expressly recited in theclaims. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure is intended to includeall modifications and variations encompassed within the spirit and scopeof the following appended claims.

1. A telehealth system comprising: a case, the case housing at least: adisplay; a microphone; a camera; a plurality of medical devices; aplurality of antennas; a plurality of access credentials; and acomputing device comprising a processor; wherein the system isconfigured to: obtain, using a first medical device of the plurality ofmedical devices, patient data indicating a health parameter of apatient; transmit the patient data to the computing device; obtain,using the microphone, audio data; obtain, using the camera, video data;generate a plurality of data packets, the plurality of data packetscollectively comprising information related to the patient data, theaudio data, and the video data; establish, using at least in part theplurality of access credentials, communications links with a pluralityof network nodes, the plurality of nodes comprising a first node and asecond node; transmit, using a first antenna of the plurality ofantennas, a first set of data packets of the plurality of data packetsto the first node; while transmitting the first set of data packets tothe first node using the first antenna, transmit, using a second antennaof the plurality of antennas, a second set of data packets of theplurality of data packets to the second node; detect an interruption inthe link to the first node; as a result of detecting the interruption,transmit a third set of data packets to the second node, wherein thethird set of data packets would have been sent to the first node in theabsence of the detected interruption.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinthe system is further configured to transmit redundant information toboth the first node and the second node.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the system is further configured to: receive a fourth set ofdata packets from the first node; receive a fifth set of data packetsfrom the second node; combine data from the fourth set of data packetsand the fifth set of data packets to yield a video segment; and play thevideo segment on the display.
 4. The system of claim A1, wherein thefirst node is associated with a first network provider and the secondnode is associated with a second network provider that is different thanthe first network provider.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the systemis further configured to: determine, based on the detected interruptionin the link to the first network node, information that was notsuccessfully transmitted due to the interruption; and transmitreplacement data packets to the second node, the replacement datapackets comprising the information that was not successfully transmitteddue to the interruption.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the system isconfigured to transmit the patient data to the computing device using afirst wireless communication protocol and the first antenna isconfigured to transmit the first set of data packets to the first nodeusing a second wireless communication protocol that is different thanthe first wireless communication protocol.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the computing device is configured to wirelessly receiveinformation from multiple of the plurality of medical devicessimultaneously.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is furtherconfigured to: transmit the patient data from one or more of theplurality of medical devices to the display; and display, using thedisplay, an indication based on the patient data received from the oneor more of the plurality of medical devices.
 9. The system of claim 1,wherein the display is coupled to a lid of the case by a support arm,the support arm being pivotable relative to the lid to allow a positionof the display to be adjusted.
 10. The system of claim 9, furthercomprising a first camera and a second camera, the first camera beingassociated with the display and configured to capture a patient's face,the second camera being separate from the display and configured tocapture a part of the patient other than the face.
 11. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the system further comprises: a tray having a pluralityof receptacles; a plurality of charging interfaces, each charginginterface being associated with a respective receptacle of the pluralityof receptacles such that a respective medical device of the plurality ofmedical devices, when placed in the respective receptacle, is configuredto engage the respective charging interface to be charged.
 12. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a tray having aplurality of receptacles; and a wireless charger, the wireless chargerbeing configured to charge multiple medical devices of the plurality ofmedical devices when the multiple medical devices are in respectivereceptacles of the plurality of receptacles.
 13. The system of claim 1,further comprising a tray made of antimicrobial material.
 14. The systemof claim 1 further comprising: a tray comprising a plurality ofreceptacles, the plurality of medical devices being disposed inrespective receptacles of the plurality of receptacles; and anultraviolet light source; wherein the tray is disposed between theultraviolet light source and the medical devices of the plurality ofmedical devices; and the tray comprises a material that transmitsultraviolet light, such that the medical devices are configured to besterilized by ultraviolet light that is emitted by the ultraviolet lightsource and passes through the tray.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein,upon initiating use of the system by transitioning the case from aclosed state to an open state and powering on the system, including oneor more of the plurality of medical devices, the system is configuredto: automatically establish a first communication channel between thecomputing device and at least one of the medical devices of theplurality of medical devices without requiring further action by a user;and automatically establish a second communication channel between thecomputing device and the one or more nodes of the communications networkwithout requiring further action by the user.
 16. The system of any ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the first set of data packets and thesecond set of data packets are transmitted at a power greater than 0.2Watts.